Theology of the Carols: O Holy Night

I’m not a musician, but even I know “O Holy Night”best for the impressively high notes on the scale the song reaches as it closes each verse. The story of the composition of this carol, however, is one laden with irony.In 1847, a French parish priest wanted a poem written to commemorate the refurbishing of the church’s organ. The priest turned to a local wine merchant and poet to compose something for the occasion even though the poet had shown no real interest in religion. Nevertheless, he agreed, and on a trip from the town to Paris wrote the lyrics. He was so impressed with his work that he decided it must be set to music. The poet in turn then turned to a friend who was a well known composer of the day for the accompanying music.The composer was Jewish, but he also agreed to write the music even though it was for a holiday he never celebrated.And thus came “O Holy Night,” a song with words and music, so far as we know, written by two non-Christians. Wondrously, though, we find not...